TALKING POINTS

1.  The project will substantially impact Ellis Park and the recreation that it provides to the city...

    A.  One of the goals of the city is to attract and keep young families.

    B. Ellis Park is one of the crown jewels of the city and is a major attraction for young families.

    C.  Putting a development of this size in the park will create safety issues for our children who come to swim, play, and picnic since the major access will be through the park.

    D. The land for the proposed development was sold to the city on a handshake that it would remain park space.

    E.  If Zika Ave is widened and extended it will further divide the golf course and substantially impact it, and the safety of the people who play there.  Keep in mind that this is one of the premier courses in the state.

 

2.  The project as proposed will destroy the identity of 2 neighborhoods with the density of the project.

    A.  The are is not designed for R-4 and above. Currently, the neighborhood consists of one-story single-family homes and serves a variety of income levels.

    B.  It lacks the proper infrastructure for this kind of project.

    C.  It has substandard roads.

    D.  There has been no planning for sewers, drainage, water, etc for this type of project.

    E.  It is not easily accessible to schools, jobs, shopping, transportation or existing trails.

 

3.  Lack of transparency and openness of the process

    A.  There was no open process to get input from the neighborhood or the city as a whole about giving away a beautiful piece of property.

    B.  The project was awarded to Sherman Assoc. without any bidding process.

    C. The subsidy per unit going to Sherman appears to be much higher than that going to any other builder in the area.

 

4.  The residents are not opposed to change and are in favor of finding suitable space for displaced families, but not at the expense of our families and children's green space.